Proposals for Damask way meet with opposition

A record number of members of the public attended the Planning Advisory Committee at Warminster Town Council on Monday 21st May to voice their opposition to proposals submitted for the demolition of a bungalow at Damask Way and the erection of 23 houses on an adjacent field. Approximately 70 people were present to hear submissions on their behalf by nine representative speakers, who expressed concern over the increase of traffic in the area and the totally unsuitable access that was proposed for the site. A petition was then presented to the Clerk from residents in the area, and from the Weymouth Street Playgroup who were concerned that an increase in the traffic flow along Upper Marsh Road could provide a hazard for their pre-school users.
The Councillors gave due consideration to the objections that had been raised, but stressed that the development in itself could not be objected to on planning grounds. However, they were in full agreement that the outline proposals for access to the new site were untenable. Councillor Nicklin said “the proposed main site access by the demolition of no. 66 will result in a sharp, dangerous corner with an adverse camber. Furthermore, the so-called ‘emergency vehicle access’ is unacceptable, as it occurs at a very narrow pinch point in Uppper Marsh Road, and is totally unsuitable for purpose.”
The Members gave their full support to the representations from the public and voted unanimously to recommend refusal of the plans for access to the proposed site at Damask Way.